July 2008

Greetings AOM Members and Colleagues:

Spring is coming, together with the spirit of rebirth and renewal it represents each year. Acupuncture Awareness Day in Sacramento is also coming, and we want to invite all of you to consider the significance and timing of this event. Never before has AOM faced a more palpable opportunity for inclusion in healthcare reform. Please come join us to celebrate acupuncture and Oriental Medicine as we assert its rightful place in the US. Come to sharpen your tools and also to meditate on our collective history; to plot our next steps as a group; to show policy-makers why they need to include AOM in healthcare reform for everyone. As many have said before, “The Time Is Now.” We invite you to attend this event to add your voice to the chorus that articulates our collective mission. The AAAOM needs your skills, energy and efforts—now more than ever.

Legislative efforts are gaining important traction in many states. Visit our state legislative section for updates from Mississippi, New York and South Dakota. The Qi-Unity Report interviews Qi-Gong master Jeff Primack who leads large groups in Qi-Gong and explores that rare group dynamic. Practitioner Jean-Paul Thuot investigates the acupuncture subsidy in British Columbia in a follow-up to the Summer 2008 The American Acupuncturist Interview with B.C. Minister of Health George Abbott last year. Nina Price offers more practice management advice. The AAAOM-SO announces their Membership Campaign to coincide with our own. Our national and international links serve up a fine buffet of the latest articles of interest to the AOM practitioner. We sift through these articles so you don’t have to yourself.

Once again, the line-up for the AAAOM Conference and Exposition includes people you have said you want to hear from. Airline ticket prices are at historic lows. Book your place at the conference now and save money: www.aaaomonline.com. We look forward to seeing you in Sacramento!

We hope this edition of the Qi-Unity Report keeps you informed of the various issues that affect your life and practice in AOM. As usual, we’re here for you and would love to hear what you think.

The AAAOM is interested in your feedback. We invite you to use our General Feedback page to let us know your opinions and insights.

International News
Practice Management
Continuing Education and Events		 State Legislative Activities
AAAOM Activities
AAAOM Student Organization		 National AOM Issues
Links
Products, Services, and Member Savings

Table of Contents:

International News



State Legislative Activities


Sponsors of:

National AOM Issues



Practice Management


Sponsors of:

AAAOM Activities



Links


Sponsors of:

Continuing Education and Events



AAAOM Student Organization


Sponsors of:

Products, Services, and Member Savings

 

International News

Socialized Chinese medicine in British Columbia?

By Jean-Paul Thuot RAc

It has been about a year since the British Columbia government started covering acupuncture under its provincial health insurance. This coverage has been extremely limited, offered only to those households whose combined yearly income equals $28,000 or less, and only for ten visits (combined with other “alternative” therapies such as chiropractic, physiotherapy and massage), and paying out what some would call a paltry $23 per treatment.

It was estimated at the time that the cost to the province for this coverage would be in the $2-3 million range based on an average usage of five visits per person taking advantage of the coverage. Compare that to the total annual health care budget of close to $15 BILLION!

Realistically, however, the $23 creates little incentive either for the potential user or the acupuncturist to get on board. For the practitioner there are two choices: the “opt in” option, which means that the acupuncturist can not charge more than the $23 per visit or the “opt out” option, which allows the practitioner to charge their regular fee and have the subsidy from the government be just that—a subsidy to the patient. When you consider that $45 is the low end of the scale per treatment (my rate), and the average being in the $60-80 range, $23 hardly seems like much of a difference at all for those with already-thin wallets.

A quick poll of Victoria area acupuncturists reveals that no one has really seen much of an increase in business since this coverage began. Many practitioners simply didn't bother to jump through the governmental hoops in order to get on the registry, feeling that it was more trouble than it would be worth. Those that did either find that the subsidy is still too little for people to get treatment or, like myself, they lower their price per treatment for those on assistance such that those people can get the healthcare they need.

The truth is, this small pile of breadcrumbs thrown out to all those professionals in the “alternative medicine” field, and to the public at large who have been calling for greater access to those professionals, is just that: bread crumbs. While the medical establishment continues to soak up the vast majority of the resources from a budget that is already stretched thin, the government is clearly missing one key way to reduce its overall costs. Namely, that healthy people are less of a drain on the system than sick ones.

Old sayings stick with us for the simple reason that they're often very true. Consider the adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” If the government really wanted to reduce its medical spending, it would actually need to increase its spending in one area—that of preventative medicine. Preventing disease before it gets a hold on the body, easing the pain in a manner free of further side-effects for those already suffering, and helping people take responsibility of their own health (through education, something we alternatives must become very good at to thrive) can only be a boon for the bean counters in the provincial Ministry of Health. It's a shame that there doesn't seem to be a cure for inertia, however, and so far there does not seem to be much support for this line of thinking within the halls of provincial power.

As a health care practitioner I don't care how my patients get better—so long as they do. If chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, herbs or even surgery work, then all power to you! However, it is clear that equal weight needs to be given to each of these modalities within a framework of professional regulation if those who need care can afford to get it. Canadians are often very smug when it comes to their socialized medicine, especially when looking at the horror that is the medical insurance culture seen south of our border. I have never understood that smugness; to me our medical care, when you can get it, is extremely good. It's the “getting ” part that is so terrible: waiting lists of over a year for necessary tests, MRIs, etc. are the norm.

A man recently died while waiting 34 hours for care at the Health Sciences Centre in what some are now calling the worst emergency room failure in Manitoba's history. Thirty-four hours! How could this have happened? I would posit that it is a clear indication that the medical establishment is far too over-stretched, caring for people who in many cases would never need to be in the ER if they could find and afford care elsewhere.

If some of these patients were able to receive preventative care when their condition was relatively minor, perhaps they would never have ended up in the ER. Fewer people in the ER quite obviously means that those heroic doctors and nurses in the ER could focus their attention and resources on the real emergencies.

Until someone in the government takes real action, and offers real incentive for people to seek out alternative medical care, we will continue to see the degradation of our much-vaunted socialized medicine. People will continue to suffer unnecessarily, and those of us who could help keep our increasingly aged population stay healthy and out of the hospital longer will continue to soldier along in the margins.

Jean-Paul Thuot, RAc is an acupuncturist practicing in Victoria BC. He can be reached at www.stillpoint-clinic.com

International Links for February, 2009

From The New York Times: Combination treatments using artemisinin, an antimalaria drug extracted from a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine, have been hailed in recent years as the biggest hope for eradicating malaria from Africa, where more than 2,000 children die from the disease each day.

Now a series of studies, including one recently published in The New England Journal of Medicine and one due out soon, have cemented a consensus among researchers that artemisinin is losing its potency here and that increased efforts are needed to prevent the drug-resistant malaria from leaving here and spreading across the globe.
www.nytimes.com

A recent survey by the Korea Tourism Organization showed that beauty care and plastic surgery, along with Oriental medicine and general health check-ups, are one of the most popular reasons to come to Korea.
www.koreaherald.co.kr

The eastern Cuban province of Ciego Avila has reported significant achievements in improving physical rehabilitation services. Rehabilitation services include natural medicine, podiatry, speech therapy, mechanotherapy, laser, ultrasound, acupuncture, electro-therapy and infrared treatments.
www.cubaheadlines.com

KUALA LUMPUR: Amid the gloomy economic climate, taxpayers will still have a reason to smile when filing their 2008 tax returns. Those claiming for medical benefits could also enjoy tax relief for maternity expenses and buying and seeking traditional medicines and services respectively. They include ayurvedic and acupuncture treatments.
thestar.com.my

SHANGHAI: There is a popular saying in China which goes: "Spring sprouts, Summer matures, Autumn harvests and Winter preserves", describing what the body undergoes during the four seasons.

Throughout the year, many health-conscious Chinese get prescriptions for various tonics. But it is only when the mercury level drops that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) doctors prescribe "Gaofang", a tonic that is only consumed during winter.
www.channelnewsasia.com

Chinese medicine works better than traditional western treatment in relieving irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), said a study revealed by the Chinese University of Hong Kong on Thursday.

The university's faculty of medicine conveyed a study more than a year ago, in which 84 patients with IBS, a common digestive disease in Hong Kong, were divided into groups receiving different treatments. The results show that after eight week's treatment, 46 percent of the patients taking traditional Chinese medicines which include seven types of herbal medicines reported overall improvement in symptoms, compared to 29 percent from the Western medicine group.
news.xinhuanet.com

China is planning to set up a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) hospital in Russia this year, the first one outside the country, the China Daily reported.

China also plans to provide a range of TCM services in Europe, Africa and Southeast Asia in 2009, such as Chinese herb sales, short-term courses on TCM training and TCM treatment centers, according to Wang Xiaopin, deputy head of foreign affairs department from the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SATCM).

The move is in line with China's effort to expand the global recognition of TCM, said Wang, without disclosing how much profit the TCM projects abroad were expected to bring in.
www.chinaknowledge.com
/www.chinadaily.com.cn

Traditionally, herbal remedies are used to combat minor ailments that can be treated without a doctor. Cloisters and monasteries were the original groundbreakers for herbal medicine, helping to spread them across Europe during the Middle Ages and into the 15th century, says Dobos.

Hildegard, a Benedictine nun from Bingen, who lived from 1089 to 1179, was one of the best-known practitioners. Today, some monasteries still have gardens focused on herbal medicine.

'There's something that reduces the problems and speeds up the healing for almost every illness,' says Johannes Gottfried Mayer of the University of Wuerzburg. He runs a research group that focuses on the medical discoveries of monasteries.
www.monstersandcritics.com

MISSISSAUGA, ON, /CNW/ - MedX Health Corp., (TSXV.MDX) a global leader in developing drug free, non-invasive low level laser and light therapy for tissue repair and pain relief, today announced that the company has received FDA Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval to study the effectiveness of laser acupuncture for addiction to nicotine, alcohol and drugs. This study, to be launched in both Canada and the United States, will be an open, multi-center trial treating patients with addictions to assess the effectiveness of using the MedX laser probe as a means of controlling the need for these substances.
www.cnw.ca

The Prince of Wales attracted praise and ridicule yesterday for launching a range of herbal medicine in high street shops. Marketed under his Duchy Originals brand, the tinctures are made from plant extracts and said to relieve ailments such as colds, low moods, anxiety and indigestion.

Boots started selling the products this week and Waitrose will soon stock the range, which the Prince hopes will popularize the spread of complementary medicine. Duchy Originals said the products – priced at £10 each – provide "alternative and natural ways of treating common ailments".

Two of the products have been licensed for sale under the new EU traditional herbal medicinal products directive, officially classing them as medicines and representing the heir to the throne's first commercial move into health care.
www.independent.co.uk

State Legislative Activities

Oriental Medicine Practice Act for Mississippi HB 458

On February 12, 2009, the Mississippi House of Representatives voted in favor of HB 458, Mississippi’s initial legislation for the licensure of NCCAOM certified practitioners of acupuncture and Oriental medicine. The Mississippi Oriental Medicine Association (MOMA) considers this a stunning victory in light of the fact that 2009 is only the second year our organization has pushed the bill. There is still much work to do in the Senate, but here are a few of the highlights from the last couple of weeks.

On January 22, 2009, the Mississippi Oriental Medicine Association hosted Acupuncture Day at the Capitol. Early morning muffins and an informative DVD and power point presentation were displayed in the Capitol Rotunda in Jackson. Along with help from several practitioners from neighboring states, our organization was able to answer questions and show support for HB 458. Complete with “I heart Acupuncture” lapel stickers, we tracked down respective legislators and brought this issue face-to-face with the public. Our tenacity throughout the day really showed our elected officials how much this means to the people of Mississippi. Our Governor, Haley Barbour, even visited our booth and gave us his “thumbs up”!

In the weeks that followed, Dennis Holmes, LAc (VP of MOMA), Ayres Haxton (attorney for MOMA) and David Stephens (my new husband), all pounded the Capitol marble daily. Individually, we “buttonholed” legislators and spoke with them candidly about the opposition to this bill and encouraged them to see our side of the issue. We waded our way through the Public Health Committee in the House. The Mississippi State Medical Association (MSMA) initially told us they had a friendly amendment, and if we would wait two days for them to prepare it, then they would support our bill. Two days later, they had nothing and decided to oppose the bill anyway, therefore wasting precious calendar time. The chairman recognized the effort on the MSMA’s part was in poor taste and assigned a sit-down meeting with their association and the executive director of the Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure to hash out, on paper, any disagreements before HB 458 went to the House floor.

Although the State Medical Association wanted to strip our scope of practice down to only the use of needles and to change the name of our bill from The Oriental Medicine Practice Act to simply The Acupuncture Act, we walked away from the meeting with all of our modalities, including herbs. They also expected to amend the public accessibility from an MD referral language down to direct supervision by an MD (same premises). We were able to defend ourselves rigorously with the help of NCCAOM credentials and retain some autonomy.

On to the House Chamber we slowly moved, and two weeks later, our bill was adopted by a margin of 80 yeas and 42 nays. Because the bill asks for a fee for licensure, it is considered a revenue bill and requires a 3/5 majority to adopt, which is 74 votes.

This is our first year in the Senate, and we are looking for as much help as we can get. Please send your letters of kind support to the Mississippi Public Health and Welfare Committee. You can visit this website for Chairman Hob Bryan to find his contact information. He is already on our side, so polite encouragement would be great!
http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/members/senate/bryan.xml

If anyone has any questions, please feel free to contact:
Jerusha De Groote Stephens, MSOM, LAc
President ~ Mississippi Oriental Medicine Association
601.850.0970
www.mississippiacupuncture.org

New York Report

The New York State Acupuncture Coalition (NYSAC) is a collection of AOM organizations, associations, institutions and practitioners who have come together to update to the New York acupuncture law. More than a decade has passed since the acupuncture practice law was enacted in New York and with the growth of the acupuncture profession and its increasing utilization by consumers; there is a need to update the law to address several issues that are not included in the current law. Most notably, the proposed NYSAC bill addresses the fact that many acupuncturists are trained in and are practicing herbal recommendation according to Oriental medicine principles in their practices, yet there has been no regulation of this practice. The bill seeks to regulate herbal practice within the acupuncture statute not only to ensure protection for practitioners to continue their practice of herbs but, more importantly, to protect the public by setting the standards for safe practice of herbs. You can visit www.nysacupuncture.org for more information.

Sino Television recently covered a meeting of the American TCM Society (ATCMS), an active supporter and contributor to the New York State Acupuncture Coalition, in order to provide an update to the Chinese-American community on the NYSAC bill. Michael Taromina, AAAOM legal counsel and public member (alt.), who also serves as legal adviser to NYSAC, was interviewed for the news segment along with the president of ATCMS, Dr. Yong Ming Li.

South Dakota Update

AAAOM SO President Jolene Habeck has been working with AAAOM board member and legal counsel Michael Taromina to draft a potential AOM practice act for the state of South Dakota. This bill is sponsored by Jim Frerichs. South Dakota is one of six states that have no regulations, requirements, or legislation regarding acupuncture.

Michael Taromina also assisted in legislative efforts in Texas and Montana in February by providing statements against medical and chiropractor bills.


National AOM Issues

Hinchey Reintroduces Legislation to Expand Acupuncture Coverage

January 23, 2009

Washington, D.C. – This week Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) reintroduced legislation that would make acupuncture a covered service for Medicare and the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program participants. The congressman's Federal Acupuncture Coverage Act would provide access to acupuncture for Medicare's 44 million beneficiaries and the 8 million federal workers, their dependents, and retirees who are covered under the FEHB.

"Acupuncture has long been credited with relieving pain, nausea, digestive problems, and many other ailments. It is entirely unacceptable that Medicare and the Federal Employees Health Benefits program don't cover acupuncture treatment and thus force plan participants to forego acupuncture or pay for it entirely out of their own pocket," Hinchey said. "The majority of private insurers cover acupuncture, yet the federal government's health plans continue to ignore this very valid and effective form of medical treatment. In a country as great as ours no American should ever be denied access to any legitimate forms of medical care that can make them healthier and more comfortable."

Hinchey has introduced the Federal Acupuncture Coverage Act since 1993, his first year in Congress. Hinchey previously advocated for acupuncturists at the state level, where, as a member of the New York State Assembly, he introduced and secured passage of legislation to license acupuncturists in the state.

"Passage of this bill would provide 52 million Americans with health coverage for acupuncture services. This is the humane thing to do and I encourage my colleagues to pass this important piece of legislation," Hinchey said.

The Federal Acupuncture Coverage Act would provide coverage for acupuncture services under Medicare and FEHB. Coverage would apply to services rendered by state-licensed, registered or certified professionals. At present, more than 40 states and the District of Columbia accredit acupuncturists.

Practice Management

Jeff Primack Interview

QUR: I understand you have taught Qigong to over 10,000 people and have trained over 600 teachers worldwide to teach it. What gives you the inspiration for this accomplishment?

Jeff: Well, I would have to say my inspiration for Qigong comes from seeing people’s lives improve so much. The Qigong FEELS so powerful and the energy is tangible, even to people who don’t believe in it. I enjoy teaching breathing exercises that make people vibrate from head to toe. The Qi-Energy is sort of like a healing-drug, and everyone in the West is looking for a quick fix or a fast escape from the pressures of life. Qigong provides this escape and gives us something that makes our body powerful. The empowerment that I see people experience is what drives me.

QUR: Your biggest Qigong event had 2,000 people practicing for four days. Can you describe the “group energy” effect that is experienced when so many people practice under one roof?

Jeff: We all have an energy field, and when Qigong is practiced in groups it is the most powerful way to experience it. Something magical occurs when so many people do Qigong Healing inside of 1 room. Imagine 2,000 people doing a powerful breathing exercise where everyone inhales at the same second!! You can hear a pin drop. The air vibrates.

The group energy effect is our main motivation for making the price so affordable. Ninety-nine dollars for four days means that virtually anyone can participate. There is great power in these large gatherings. When we are humble to the SOURCE OF ALL LIFE and gather in the name of healing great miracles happen. I feel honored to teach Qigong to so many people.

QUR: Can you give some background on the style of Qigong that you are teaching?

Jeff: Our style of Qigong places emphasis on advanced breathing techniques like 9-Breath Method, which uses TUMO breathing skills to place Qi under gentle pressure in the Dan Tien while incorporating profound utilization of Pranayama breathing to facilitate the absorption of Qi. The methods are proven safe. In fact, I would say this technique alone is worth participation in the event. It is the one single most profound practice I give to the world.

We also teach 3-Levels of moving Qigong with an emphasis on SUBTLE MOVEMENTS and pressing on the EDGE OF THE ENERGY FIELD WHILE MOVING. According to the feedback we get from other Qigong experts, the forms are very powerful. We also intelligently use a high quality Qi visual animation of the energy in our teaching.

QUR: Can you explain how Qigong accomplishes healing?

Jeff: The Qi is directly tied to blood circulation, according to Chinese medicine. When Qi is increased, so is micro-circulation of blood to the brain and organs. Digestion improves, and metabolism increases when people do Qigong. It is the ultimate way to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. Unlike running or weight lifting, Qigong increases the blood flow while the person is totally in a relaxed state. This is why it heals. Imagine getting the same blood circulation as jogging... while standing perfectly still! The Qi can push through blockages in our circulatory system that cause pain and other diseases.

QUR: You have said that Qi is the KEY to our human potential. What do you mean by this?

Jeff: Eliminating stress and disease is the first stage of enlightenment. Studies show that cancer is more likely in certain people with certain emotional tendencies. We should be able to LET GO of bad thoughts and negative emotions, but this is not always easy. Qigong gives us breathing techniques that work like a medicine to soothe our spirit.

Second, when our Qi increases enough (like in a room full of thousands of people practicing together) it’s like sticking our head above the clouds and seeing the horizon for the first time. Qigong can greatly contribute to world peace by helping people release tension stored in their body tissues and their heart/mind. By activating our spiritual energy we become free. This is the meaning of the term “enlightenment,” -- to be encircled by light (Qi).

QUR: Your organization is hosting its biggest Qigong gathering ever on April 25th in Orlando, FL on World Qigong Day. How can people participate?

Jeff: Any individual can attend the workshop and attend all four days for only $99. We sell special Qigong DVDs, but the truth is that nothing can duplicate the group energy from thousands of beautiful people practicing inside one room. No previous experience is necessary, and even the experts are raving about the event. We have blocked rooms with nearby hotels at the lowest prices I have ever seen available. It’s easy to participate if you simply decide to join us.

For more details visit Supreme Science Qigong Center’s website: www.QiRevolution.com or call them at: (800)-298-8970

Acupuncturist, message therapists and nurses get 32 CEUs

Differentiating Yourself: Having a Brand and Being Memorable: Keys to Gaining Your Ideal Client’s Mindshare and Achieving Your Business Growth Goals

By Nina Price, LAc

The more your “ideal prospect” knows about what you can offer them, and the more visible you can be on their “radar,” the more likely they will purchase your services when they need them.

Differentiate Yourself Using Your Personal Brand
As a self-employed service professional, you must differentiate yourself, clearly presenting why your “ideal prospect” should choose to do business with you rather than any other equally qualified practitioner. To do this, start with your personal brand.

If your “ideal prospect” is, for example, a serious cyclist, and you are an acupuncturist who specializes in issues unique to cyclists, your brand might be:

“I help serious cyclists training for challenging rides and races to minimize their downtime due to injury during training so they can ride as many days each week as they choose. I do this because I’m a serious cyclist myself. I enjoy supporting my fellow cyclists in achieving their cycling goals.”

This is a clear statement aimed specifically at serious cyclists telling them why they should choose you as their acupuncturist: I am a serious cyclist. I understand their problems and specialize in solving them. I may belong to the same cycling clubs and race at the same races as they do; I may post on email lists they subscribe to or even be a friend in their online social network. Serious cyclists may thus decide to travel significant distances to get to My office because they want My services rather than those of their local, non-cyclist acupuncturist.

Differentiating Yourself By Being Memorable
Once your “ideal prospect” knows about you, how can you stay on their radar so that they remember to book an appointment with you when they really need your services?

As a cycling acupuncturist, I may want to develop specific packages of services for cyclists to support their training for specific events.

I may give regular talks or a blog about the kinds of problems my clients may have. I might want to offer a calendar or a cycling-oriented chotchke that everyone will use regularly Listing my name and contact information. I might even even sponsor cycling events for young people needing my services. Even simple things like a bicycle-oriented logo on my business card, or a unique email signature that gives complete contact information and brand, will keep me visible every time I hand out a card or post to a cycling list.

When your target client group knows who you are and why you’re an ideal choice for them, staying visible and memorable is the key to turning your ideal prospects into paying clients. Of course you must deliver on your promise in a way that provides the value they expect, but assuming you’re good at that, once word of mouth kicks in you’ll achieve your business growth goals.

Nina Price is a licensed acupuncturist and a business and wellness coach who helps people “push the reset button” on their health, their careers, and the rest of their lives, so they can prevent burnout and have the professional life they want, no matter what happens.

She is a former Silicon Valley high tech marketing exec who also teaches “Marketing Charm School” to independent service professionals so they can become top notch at marketing themselves and their practices.

www.revupyourrevenue.com
www.revupyourrevenue.info
www.ninaprice.com


AAAOM Activities

Expo 2009 - Transitions in AOM

http://www.aaaomonline.info/qiunity/09/02/AT_AD_AAAOM_Expo09_Jan.pdf

Expo 2009 - Acupuncture Awareness Day

http://www.aaaomonline.info/qiunity/09/02/AT_APR.pdf

Links

February National Links

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine is an open access journal publishing original peer-reviewed research articles in complementary and alternative healthcare interventions, with a specific emphasis on those that elucidate biological mechanisms of action. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine (ISSN 1472-6882) is indexed/tracked/covered by PubMed, MEDLINE, CAS, Scopus, EMBASE and Google Scholar.
www.biomedcentral.com

DHEA is a natural circulating hormone, and the body’s production of it decreases with age. Men take DHEA as an over-the-counter supplement because it has been suggested that DHEA can reverse aging or have anabolic effects since it can be metabolized in the body to androgens. Increased consumption of dietary isoflavones is associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer. Red clover (Trifolium pretense) is one source of isoflavones. Both supplements may have hormonal effects in the prostate and little is known about the safety of these supplements.

Towards this end, the NCCAM laboratory is studying signaling between human prostate cancer cells and their supporting stromal cells as they grow together in laboratory culture. “DHEA effects in the prostate tissues may depend on how these two cells types ‘talk to each other’ and further, it may be potentially harmful in tissues containing inflammation or with early cancer lesions because the cells can induce DHEA to become more androgenic,” said Julia Arnold, PhD, a staff scientist at the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at the National Institutes of Health.
www.newswise.com

The Pain Management Clinic at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is collaborating with Yo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine to create a pediatric acupuncture program to help children manage chronic pain, according to Jeffrey I. Gold, Ph.D., director of the Pediatric Pain Management Clinic, and assistant professor of clinical anesthesiology and pediatrics at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California.

The Pediatric Acupuncture Program, which began treating patients this month (January 2009), uses an integrative approach that brings the benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to children suffering from chronic pain.

According to Dr. Gold, “Current research indicates that acupuncture and TCM are beneficial in addressing many problems associated with both acute and chronic pain.”

A paper recently published by Dr. Gold and his colleagues in the journal Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine concludes, “Given the promising trends in the current acupuncture research, the relative willingness of families to engage in acupuncture and the low risk of deleterious side effects, acupuncture may serve to harmonize Traditional Western Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine as a means of promoting preventive care and symptom management for children.”
pr-usa.net

Modern scientific research has revealed that many of the ancient Chinese herbs and formulas used in fighting the invasions of wind cold and wind heat have broad spectrum antibacterial and antiviral activities.
seattlepi.nwsource.com

More news about acupuncture in the military: The Air Force surgeon general is starting a pilot program in March to teach "battlefield acupuncture" to 32 Air Force doctors who will deploy to Iraq or Afghanistan by 2010.

Col. Richard Niemtzow, an Air Force physician for 28 years, started practicing acupuncture in 1994. He designed the battlefield acupuncture treatments to help airmen deal with physical and mental pain inside the war zone. The treatments even include needles barely a centimeter long so they won't fall out when airmen wear their Kevlar helmets.
www.hattiesburgamerican.com

This technical report compiles and analyzes the current scientific knowledge on herbal medicine and highlights the practical ways for ensuring the safety of herbal preparations and evaluating their claimed efficacy. Emphasis has been given to the methods for standardization of herbal medicine and the ways and means for moving forward to achieve the difficult goal of preparing herbal medicines of consistent quality and effects.
www.iupac.org

Traditional Chinese medicine has been around for thousands of years, and it's no surprise individuals are starting to embrace its healing properties as an acne alternative medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine often utilizes herbs and food sources to alleviate acne symptoms.
www.skindetails.com

Forget the Botox, avoid the scalpel. More and more women are turning to cosmetic acupuncture to reverse the aging process.
www.wcnc.com

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Traditional acupuncture and non-penetrating sham acupuncture both appear to help relieve pelvic pain in pregnant women, Swedish researchers report. However, contrary to expectation, neither acupuncture approach is more effective than the other.
in.reuters.com

Dear Mayo Clinic: What do you think of acupuncture as a treatment for various ailments? How does it work?

Acupuncture, which has been used and studied throughout the world for more than 4,000 years, can be utilized to rebalance the flow of energy (qi) in the body and effectively treat many conditions. At Mayo Clinic, acupuncture has been used successfully for pain management, postoperative nausea, anxiety relief, drug addiction, insomnia and headaches, to name a few.
www.sun-sentinel.com



Continuing Education and Events

Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications

November 2008

Los Angeles — Art of Medicine Press announces the release of Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications, written and compiled by John K. Chen and Tina T. Chen. Regarding the text, John Chen says, “The content in this book represents the coming of age of contemporary resources merged with historical wisdom on medicinal herbal formulas for the 21st century.” Speaking of the anticipated audience for the book, Tina Chen comments, “This text will be of as much interest to established clinicians as to students, and to scientists and regulators as to educators. We’ve consciously designed the material to provide the greatest depth of information with the most practical ease of use.”

Commenting on the depth and breadth of material provided in the book, Tina Chen continues: “The challenge is to serve clinicians in modern practice while simultaneously deepening practitioner understanding of historical roots, and including the accumulated wealth of practical contemporary experience.” A major goal for the authors and editors was the incorporation of a wealth of contemporary scientific understanding and evidential resources from clinical studies and research, along with realistic appraisal of potential interactions in concurrent use of herbal medicinal formulas and pharmaceuticals, and more.

Comprehensive in scope, integrative in design, and authoritative in research and documentation, there is no other text of this kind and focus available in English today.

Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications integrates contemporary understanding of the ancient practice of Chinese herbal medicine with essential safety information. John Chen says “This is essential for today’s context, in which use of pharmaceutical and traditional medicines is increasingly integrated in healthcare.” The text offers over 1600 information-rich pages to healthcare practitioners, researchers, educators and students for a lifetime of learning and practice:

Noted educator Giovanni Maciocia says “It is refreshing to have a Chinese medicine book that is easy to read and flows well. I love the sections on pharmacology, clinical research, and interaction with drugs.”

Co-author Minh Nguyen says, “Just overseeing and participating in editing this book has been a huge education. I see it as a lifelong continuing-education-course in a book.”

Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications has had a long road to completion, representing countless hours of intensive work on the part of the authors and editors. Dr. John Chen and Eric Chen, LAc. began work on the book twenty years ago, and have been working to bring it into reality ever since. Tina Chen, LAc, joined in beginning in 2003, to add her perspective and creative impetus towards the finish line. Over 120 professionals from academia, clinical practice, research and regulatory agencies gave their input to the final product as contributing editors and peer reviewers.

For pre-release examination of features and portions of Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications, visit the website AOMpress.com or contact John Chen at Art of Medicine Press.

Contact:
John Chen
Art of Medicine Press
P.O. Box 90878
City of Industry, CA 91715-0878
Tel: 626-810-5532; Fax: 626-609-2844
www.aompress.com; info@aompress.com

Community Addiction Recovery Association Conference

April 17-19th, 2009
Location: Sacramento, CA

Description:
Learn to help clients improve judgment, shorten detox, stabilize recovery, and prevent relapse by correcting neurotransmitter deficiencies naturally.

Community Addiction Recovery Association hosts a conference, Brain Repair for Addictive Disorders: Cost-Effective, Successful, and Drug-Free Therapies, April 17th, 18th and half day April 19th, 2009 Co-Sponsored by California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs at the Hilton Sacramento Arden West Hotel in Sacramento, California.

This unique opportunity offers practical skills for individuals interested in exploring evidence-based, successful, cost-effective, drug-free therapies in the field of addictive disorders. Nationally renown experts in addiction nutrition and mind-body integration will discuss Does Sugar Matter?; Curing the Addictive Criminal Mind; Group Acupuncture for Precontemplative Clients; Acupressure Relief of PTSD; Improving Client and Staff Moods With NeuroNutrition; Movement Therapies; Food's Influence On Mental Health; Simple Solutions to Chronic Stress; Intravenous and Over-the Counter Supplement Therapy, Integrating Brain Repair Into Group Psychotherapy and over a dozen other useful topics. Earn up to 19CEUs. Register by March 1st for the Early Bird Discount, student rates available. To register, visit www.carasac.org or contact Marina Roy via telephone (916)485-2272 or e-mail marinaroy@carasac.org

CLINICAL NUTRITION CERTIFICATION BOARD

The Clinical Nutrition Certification Board (CNCB) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit tax-exempt certification agency which provides professional training, examination and certification for health care organizations, specialty credentialing programs and state license/certification examinations.

The discipline of Human Clinical Nutrition applies principles derived from current biochemical and physiological scientific knowledge for the purpose of promoting optimal health while recognizing biochemical individuality.

The Certified Clinical Nutritionist assesses a person's nutritional needs to achieve normal physiological function. Assessment includes the use of appropriate test and observations such as case history, anthropomorphic measurements, physical signs, laboratory tests, and nutrition/lifestyle analysis to determine an educational nutrition program. Assessment also provides the basis for referral to a licensed physician, or other health care professional.

The educational protocol may include, among other information, nutrition / lifestyle modification, nutritive supplementation, understanding of physiological/biochemical pathways, and evoking of regenerative processes.

Post Graduate Studies in Clinical Nutrition (PGSCN) is now available ONLINE.

Go to: www.cncb.org for further information 972-250-2829

Holistic Pediatric Training

Holistic Pediatric Training is back with a new series of five pediatric training seminars with acupuncture continuing education credits for all courses - both California CEUs and NCCAOM PDAs. In-person seminars and online distance training is available.

The Holistic Pediatric Training seminars conducted in the San Francisco Bay Area are designed to provide clinicians with an integrated program that conveys the concepts and skills necessary to treat children from a holistic perspective. Practitioners who want to expand their practices to treat children can now receive the training they need to become effective and confident child health care providers. Acupuncturists can develop confidence in diagnosing pediatric medical problems and managing children’s illnesses, as well as gaining a more comprehensive perspective on the holistic pediatric principles.

The seminar schedule is packed with unique and valuable courses on specialized pediatric topics unavailable from any other source. Seminar instructors are leading experts in the field of holistic pediatrics and practitioners with many years experience in teaching, writing, and clinical practice.

On the weekend of March 14-15, Naomi Richman will present a detailed seminar in pediatric Tui Na with practical protocols for common childhood illness. And pediatrician at Stanford University, Dr. May Loo, will share her expertise in the use of magnets, lasers, and other non-needle acupuncture techniques. Dr. Loo is the author of the recently published, authoritative reference work Integrative Medicine for Children and the comprehensive text Pediatric Acupuncture.

On the weekend of March 28-29, Drs. Stephen Cowan, developmental pediatrician, and Efrem Korngold, author of Between Heaven and Earth will conduct an intensive two day seminar on neurological problems, integrating a Chinese medicine and western perspective. They will share their perspective on the Chinese medicine view of neurodevelopment and its disorders in children, including ADHD, autism spectrum, seizure disorders, dyslexia, headaches and childhood PTSD.

On the weekend of May 16 and 17, Drs. Elisa Song, holistic pediatrician, and Randall Neustaedter, author of Child Health Guide and the forthcoming Holistic Baby Guide, will discuss the management of health problems in babies including the common syndromes of reflux and colic, eczema, and recurrent respiratory illnesses. The full range of holistic diagnosis, functional medicine assessment, and management protocols will be covered in depth.

Jake Fratkin, celebrated Chinese herbalist and author of Chinese Herbal Patent Medicines, will present a weekend on immune dysfunction and leaky gut syndrome in children on May 30-31. He will cover functional medicine testing as well as treatment programs that include western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine perspectives.

In addition, online distance seminars on various pediatric topics are available for practitioners who are unable to attend the in-person classes. You can register for all of these seminars at www.healthychild.com. Practitioners can attend individual seminars or the entire series. Early registration and student discounts available. Members of the Holistic Pediatric Association will receive a substantial discount on each seminar. This is a tremendous opportunity to learn holistic pediatrics from some of the world’s leading authorities and educators in this field.

February 10, 2009
Contact: Jane Sheppard, 707-570-0408, www.healthychild.com

Updated Call for Participants for AAA Roundtable - CAM Research - Deadline March 15!

CAM researchers of all levels are invited to participate in a roundtable discussion session on the strategies and challenges of conducting CAM research. Of particular interest is how the structure and process of pursuing CAM-based research influences the research itself. The National Institutes of Health Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine has requested help in thinking through methodological concerns. Social science researchers may have additional interests such as how to gain access to health care providers and patients, how to frame the research in order to acquire funding, and how the funding mechanism may influence not only the way research is done, but also how CAM is defined by different stakeholders. How can social science contribute to the ongoing conceptual development of CAM in the U.S.? What types of medical knowledge get legitimized through the funded research process, and what knowledge is lost, dismissed, or altered? How is the cultural capital of CAM modalities influenced by the CAM profession and its relationship with biomedicine? Are there differences among 'established therapies' and those that have been recently developed, or are derivations of older traditions? This roundtable is not designed as a data presentation forum, but a discussion of issues and experiences. Researchers from students to senior faculty are invited to join. Please send an abstract with your topic and position. Those interested in sharing their experiences and participating in the discussion at the November American Anthropological Association Annual Conference should respond by Sunday, March 15 to Caroline Peterson at petcarol@ohsu.edu.

AAAOM Student Organization

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY

AAAOM-SO Student Exhibition

The AAAOM-SO Student Exhibition is a scholarship-based competition in which AAAOM-SO members can enter original work. The mission is to promote excellence and integrity in the field of AOM and to encourage AAAOM-SO College Chapters to engage in Chapter Projects. The AAAOM-SO will award three scholarships, in the amount of $250.00 each, in each of two exhibition categories – Scholarly Projects and Chapter Projects – for a total of 6 scholarships.

Project Categories:

Entries can be submitted in one of two exhibition categories:

  1. Projects: This category allows for members of the AAAOM-SO to present original work related to their education in acupuncture and Oriental medicine. Students may enter as individuals or groups. Topics may include, but are not limited to: classical studies of primary research into AOM treatments; secondary research into Western medical knowledge; public policy research that impacts AOM. Scholarly Projects will be judged on the basis of exhibition presentation and impact, relevance of the topic to AOM; topic originality; and the quality and depth of scholarship.
  2. Chapter Projects: This category allows for individual AAAOM-SO College Chapters to submit projects in any of the following areas: (1) fundraising, (2) public relations and (3) community service. Projects may include, but are not limited to: events designed to raise funds for the College Chapter or other organizations; health fair presentations about AOM; community service clean-up campaigns; local government outreach efforts; or, projects designed to raise local media awareness about AOM. Chapter Projects will be judged on the basis of exhibition presentation and impact, community impact, success in meeting stated goals, AOM relevance, and project originality.

Rules, Guidelines, and Deadlines:

  1. All entries must appear in the form of an exhibit presentation. Papers that are the basis of Scholarly Projects and printed materials used in Chapter Projects can be made available as part of the presentation; however, the content of a paper must be summarized and presented in exhibition form.
  2. During the exhibition, each entry will be provided five feet of table space, and adjacent wall space, on which to set up the presentation. No equipment other than tables will be provided by the AAAOM-SO. (Any easels, laptops, posters, projectors, etc., will be supplied by entrants.)
  3. Chapter Projects must include the following information: 1) What We Did; 2) Challenges and Objectives; and 3) What We Achieved (including “What We Learned”).
  4. All individual students named on Scholarly Project entries must be members of the AAAOM-SO as of the submission deadline of March 31, 2009.
  5. Entrants in the Chapter Project category must be AAAOM-SO College Chapters in good standing as of submission deadline of March 31, 2009.
  6. The deadline for entries in both the Scholarly Project and Chapter Project categories is March 31, 2009. Each entrant or group must apply online and submit a 500-1000 word abstract of their project.
  7. Representatives for each entry must be present at the 2009 AAAOM-SO Student Caucus in Sacramento, CA, Saturday, April 25 and be present in the Caucus Room according to the following schedule:
    • 7-8:00 am – Sign-in and set up exhibit area;
    • 8-9:00 am – Presentations to Judges and public viewing.
  8. All project entries must be the original work of those entering. Those committing plagiarism will be excused from the competition, and will no longer be a member of the AAAOM-SO.
  9. Participants are responsible for their own exhibit equipment. Any damage or theft of materials is not the responsibility of the AAAOM or the AAAOM-SO.
  10. Projects will be judged by three judges, who are professionals in the field of AOM. Any solicitation of judges regarding projects is prohibited and may result in removal from the competition.
  11. Winners will be announced at the 2009 AAAOM Annual Banquet, Saturday, April 25. Winners need not be present at the banquet to win. Note: Scholarship entry does not provide entry to banquet. Banquet tickets may be purchased prior to conference date at www.aaaomonline.com.
  12. For Questions, please contact Earnest Mounce, AAAOM-SO Treasurer, at earniemo@gmail.com.

See you all at the 2009 Conference in Sacramento!

Sincerely,


Jolene Habeck
President, AAAOM-SO

The Year of the Ox

by Elisa Behnk, AAAOM-SO Vice President of Communications

Align Yourself with the Sign of the Times

On January 23, 2009 by western calendars we entered the Chinese Year of the Ox. About that same time I heard a radio segment about Chinese New Year in the U.S. that referenced President Barack Obama, born in 1961, as an ox, specifically a metal ox. The double-ox coincidence piqued my interest, but it was the recent AAAOM Action Corps announcement and the call to “work together in teams” that served as the tipping point to explore the Ox as the sign of our times.

Wikipedia identifies the Year of the Ox as “prime,” usually appearing on the first page of the Chinese Almanac, denoting the start of things, the “ground floor.” It comes as no surprise, therefore, that the essential energy of the ox is earth. By ancient calculations, 2009 is an earth ox year and so we now are in a time of earth-energy squared. Interestingly, CNN.com’s post-election analysis of the successful Obama campaign credits much of his victory to an “overwhelming ground game”—literally a “groundswell” of fundraising support and teamwork.

The ox is the paragon of hard work, fortitude and, eventually, prosperity. This is no easy button, no quick fix. All About China defines the ox and earth energetic as stable, slow and steady—an interesting counter-balance to the turbulence of the rat year. By contrast, oxen shoulder the job working side-by-side. In this light, the yoke is miscast as an image of burdened servitude. A well-fashioned yoke makes light work of an otherwise heavy task.

Now is the golden hour—a rare opportunity to work together in teams with practitioners to drive forward the AAAOM Agenda. This is your chance to:

Consider serving on the:

Action Corps team slots are limited and will be filled by application to the AAAOM and AAAOM-SO boards. For further information, contact Doug Newton at dnewton@aaaomonline.org. To apply for the AAAOM Action Corps, please use the following interactive form: http://www.aaaomonline.org/interactive.asp?ID=41.

Applications will be accepted through Monday, March 16, 2009. Candidates will be notified of their status by Friday April 10. All selected Action Corps participants will be invited to meet at the AAAOM conference in Sacramento, CA, April 23 through 26.


Products, Services, and Member Savings

Dear Prospective Advertiser:

Investing your advertising dollars in The American Acupuncturist and the Qi-Unity Report makes good sense for so many reasons:

Join our current advertisers to infuse growth into the field your products and services benefit. The reunified organizational force behind the AAAOM means more power toward serving the growth of alternative medicine.

With so much to gain, what better time is there to advertise in The American Acupuncturist and the Qi-Unity Report? Please contact me to learn more at (866) 455-7999.

Yours in Health,

Douglas Newton
Manager, Program Development and Business Services, AAAOM
866-455-7999
916-443-4766 (fax)
info@aaaomonline.org

ENCLS: AA/QUR Ad Card (PDF); Adv. Contract (PDF)

In closing,

As always, your feedback serves as a useful lens through which we may look at how well we are serving our members. Please take a moment to express your thoughts to us.

General Feedback

In Health,


Rebekah Christensen,
Executive Director
Douglas Newton,
Managing Editor